Build IT LIVE 2026 adds OpenAI veteran Zack Kass as keynote

Zack Kass, former Head of Go‑to‑Market at OpenAI, will headline the Build IT LIVE 2026 conference in Jersey City on Aug. 3‑5, positioning the event as a practical AI strategy forum for managed‑service providers【2】. The inclusion underscores the growing demand for actionable AI roadmaps among MSP leadership as AI reshapes service pricing, delivery, and sales.

Conference agenda and AI emphasis

The three‑day agenda centers on turning AI from experimentation into a growth engine, with dedicated tracks that blend leadership, future‑tech, sales, and operations themes【2】. The final day’s AI Accelerator offers attendees a structured implementation framework they can apply immediately, reflecting the event’s “hands‑on” philosophy rather than traditional slide‑heavy presentations【2】. Sunny Kaila, founder of IT By Design, emphasized that the goal is for participants to leave with a concrete plan and a peer who has already executed it【2】.

Zack Kass’s role and market relevance

Kass’s keynote will draw on his 15‑year AI background, including his tenure as OpenAI’s Go‑to‑Market lead, where he helped shape AI adoption for Fortune 500 firms and public‑sector clients【1】. His talks typically stress applied AI, cultural readiness, and building high‑performing teams in an AI‑driven world【1】. By featuring Kass, Build IT LIVE signals to MSPs that strategic AI adoption is moving from theory to operational priority, a shift echoed across the managed‑services channel as AI redefines pricing models and service delivery【3】.

Competitive context for MSPs

The conference’s operator‑led format differentiates it from vendor‑centric AI events, offering peer‑tested strategies rather than vendor demos. This approach aligns with the broader industry trend where MSPs are seeking practical, peer‑validated AI playbooks to stay competitive against larger cloud providers and emerging AI‑focused service firms. The presence of a high‑profile AI figure like Kass may also attract attention from other AI‑focused conferences, potentially intensifying competition for speaker talent and attendee dollars in the summer conference calendar.

What to watch

• August 3‑5: Follow the live sessions for any announced AI implementation frameworks that could become de‑facto standards for MSPs.
• Post‑conference releases: IT By Design may publish the AI Accelerator curriculum, which could be adopted by other MSP training programs.
• Future speaker line‑ups: Watch whether competing MSP conferences secure comparable AI thought leaders for their 2026 agendas.

The addition of Zack Kass highlights the urgency for managed‑service providers to translate AI hype into concrete growth tactics, a challenge that will shape the MSP landscape throughout the year.